Saliva ovulation predictor tests

[Tanker Chic]

Has anyone tried one of these?  What did you think?  Has anyone discussed this with their Dr or Re?

Product info:

When a woman is about to ovulate, her saliva begins to form a distinct fern-like pattern (when viewed under a microscope) due to an increase in the level of estrogen present, which in turn causes and increase in salinity. Salinity, produces ferns. This ferning pattern begins to appear around 3 days prior to ovulation.

A “personal ovulation microscope” (e.g. Fertile Focus or Ovulook) allows you to predict fertility by observing the visual changes that take place in your saliva throughout your cycle. When you are on the verge of ovulation, the visible make-up of a woman's saliva undergoes several changes. This fern-like or ferning pattern can be easily identified when examined under the power of a 40X to 60X magnification lens - helping you predict ovulation and peak fertility.

[Jada79]

Hello!

I bought one of these from CVS almost a year ago. The brand I bought was ovulite. I think I paid around $40.00? Can't remember. I can't say weather or not it really worked, but I have the problem of no ovulation. I did see a ferning pattern a few times, but never what was needed to indicate very fertile period. You have to be really careful when using it. Make sure there are no bubbles, and suppose to use the saliva from under your tongue, first thing in the morning before you eat, drink or brush your teeth. And you have to wait for the saliva to completely dry. I found myself doing it a few times in the morning just because a couple times there were too many bubbles in the saliva. The good thing about it is that you can use it till your hearts content, unlike pee sticks. (well, i mean you use em' once and they're done). But I have read a lot of testimonials that swear by them. It's definately worth checking out. What doesn't work for some, works for others.

Good luck and I'm sorry I can't be of more help or provide you with a success story.

[baboojamaica]

I bought one about a year ago too.  I could never get the hang of it. I did see the ferning pattern a couple of times but never could pinpoint a very fertile period.  So, I cannot say that it worked for me.  However, I have heard good stories about it from people that it DID work for.  Good Luck!!

[peekawho]

Its not terribly accurate.  Think about it:  if they were, doctors offices everywhere would use them or recommend them instead of the current technology.  20-25% of women will conceive on any given cycle if there are no other problems, so there are bound to be women who conceive shortly after using one from chance alone.   Someone might try on their own for a couple cycles, not have any luck, try the saliva test, and bingo! Conceives and credits the saliva test instead of pure chance.  

They are cheap, noninvasive, and readily available, so no harm done if someone wants to use them.  
But if they were really accurate, they would be universally recommended by independent MD's not associated with the sale of these devices.  

[Tanker Chic]

Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. You all confirmed pretty much what I thought.  Results are very subjective and if you ladies are anything like me, that would just give me one more iffy answer to obsess over. I can see myself taking pictures of the results, loading it onto the computer, blowing up the details, superimposing one onto another for comparison.  I could get out of control fast.  Thanks for the warning :o)